There are two ways to drive a nail: one is to use the single blow of a sledgehammer… the other — to use several precise strokes of a mallet. That’s not necessarily to say that the 2014 Corvette is the former, and the 2013 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe is the latter, but the notion that there are different ways to make a great performance vehicle shouldn’t be lost upon you.
But just in case the above analogy didn’t stick, here are some quick facts:
- The CTS-V Coupe is heavier and more powerful than the 2014 Corvette
- Both the CTS-V Coupe and 2014 Corvette Stingray sprint from 0-60 MPH in about the same amount of time (4.0 seconds), but get there differently: the C7 Stingray’s naturally-aspirated LT1 V8 is the latest from GM’s storied small block offerings, making 450 horsepower and 450 lb.-ft. of torque; the CTS-V utilizes a blown 6.2 liter LSA that’s based on GM’s last-gen small block family
- As far as looks go, the Vette and the Caddy are irrefutably different approaches to sports-car styling. But it just so happens that the CTS-V Coupe offers two extra seats (that perhaps should be used only for children), while the C7’s all-new world-class interior, with the latest technology and high-quality materials presents a serious challenge to the CTS-V’s cabin
- Then there are other factors, such as the “image” provided by an upscale Cadillac and the Corvette (it’s still a Chevy, which is a whole different can of worms), along with the manufacturer’s warranty, and price
Ultimately, choosing between the C7 and the CTS-V is a good problem to have — and we’re pleased that the choice for the world’s best performance cars comes down to two offerings from The General.
Add to all of that the fact that the C7 and the 2013 CTS-V two-door shouldn’t be that far apart in price, ast least until the all-new CTS and its V counterpart comes to market. So, would you buy the C7 (with Z51 package, perhaps) or the 2013 CTS-V Coupe — if you had to make your choice by the end of 2013? Vote in the poll, then talk to us in the comments below.
Comments
I would take the Stingray for now… but with a new CTS-V in the not too distant future, well… that’s another case for another day.
Remember though, the next gen CTS will jump in price, so the V might be inching closer to the price of a Z06… Plus the next gen CTS isn’t getting a coupe variant.
@Andrew — absolutely. I imagine that this unique “dilemma” will only exist roughly through the end of 2013, since the stock of current-gen CTS-Vs will probably run out by then.
@Andrew I have heard the next gen. CTS is going to have a coupe version, but it is going to be pushed upmarket like the 5-6 series………the wagon is the model that is not going to happen for the next gen…….
I knew this comparison was coming, and it is likely the hardest to choose out of any GM head to head.
I’ve driven V’s, and obviously as everyone knows they are a hoot. I’ve driven many corvette of varrying years, models, and power. But that C7 is going to be something else to drive.
I love Cadillacs, I had a modded 06 CTS and a basically factory 08 3.6L CTS. A CTS coupe will most likely be in my garage in June.
But that C7 is going to be something else to drive.
I think the C7 is such a well rounded car, even will get good gas mileage. I gotta go C7 Z51.
This is the kind of thing I’d change my mind on 50 times and no matter which I choose I would always look at the other and wonder.
Totally agree with you Andrew.
I also have driven both and I think the deciding factor would depend on if I was going to “track day” the car or if it was a daily driver…
Track Day – C7
Daily Driver – CTSV
Andrew would you like to see a 3.6l Turbo? Because I’ve read there’s talk of a twin-spooler… Just a thought.
Me personally, I’d like to see just a single spooler and go from an internal to external blow off.
And to add comment to the thread,…
I ‘ve drivien both Z06 and CTS-V (Auto and Manual) and I’d like the V as a DD.
The 3.6TT is confirmed for the 2014 CTS and will trickle down to the ATS and Camaro, Chevy SS too maybe.
But, it isnt a single unit twin scroll, it is an actual twin turbo setup which I will assume are running sequentially.
These cars aren’t going to be running massive boost, so an internal BOV is fine. Plus external units don’t meat EPA emissions since they vent to atmosphere… Well these being factory units they would vent to the manifold, but then a new, special, manifold would be required to handle the exhaust gas from the turbo.
The thing with a TT setup (especially a sequential setup) is you can drastically reduce lag and have a much nicer torque curve making the car much more enjoyable to drive.
I drove a 2011 GTi with stage II APR and the torque delivery was an absolute mess, I actually thought something was wrong
I hope there’s a next gen coupe, I love my 2012 CTS coupe
I placed my deposit yesterday for the 2014 c7. I should have a build date sometime late March. Not sure if I should sell my ZL1 when I get the vette or keep it.
Which would you be more comfortable with at Valet parking?
This is the hardest decision I’ve had to make in a long time! I found this site because this is the dilemma I’m currently facing & don’t know what to do. Apparently, I’m not the only one. Do I get a ’13 CTS-V now (knowing an all-new version will be out in a year or so) or place an order for a Stingray. As the author said, a good place to be, but it is still difficult. Help!!!
Order the Stingray, CTS-Vs are hot as can be, but most people don’t even notice them. You won’t have that problem with the Stingray.
That is a good spot to be in, @UncleDeej.
The one thing I would say is that the next-gen CTS-V Coupe won’t be out for another two years (or so)… that counts for something, no? 🙂
Uncle Deej, I recommend the V, and attach a performance pack from D3Cadillac.
And Uncle Deej’s V sounds promising for plates, just saying.
How nice the Caddy may be, I’d go for the C7!
Don’t forget that the Caddy V is not only performance but luxury too. So keep that in mind. Also think if your not so vertically challenged (better than 6’2″) what’s in store for you getting in and out of the ‘Ray.
My CTS-V is the ultimate – looks, ride, and vroooooooooommm!!!!!!!!
I also meant to post earlier, that my V will run all over MEK’s C7 Stingray